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Should I use Norton 360, Norton Utilities for Virus, Cyber Security Protection on my Mac?

Should I use Norton 360, Norton Utilities for Virus, Cyber Security Protection on my Mac running Ventura 13?

MacBook Pro

Posted on Jan 19, 2023 9:58 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 19, 2023 2:23 PM

Part 1 of 2


There are no known Windows-like Viruses in the wild that self replicate and affect macOS, because of the underling UNIX  Foundation and Permission Limitation. 


Additionally, specific to Big Sur macOS 11 and above.


The Operating System resides in a Sealed and Read Only Volume that can not be opened by the User.


The Only thing this Antivirus software is protecting is the Bank Account of the Developers and for zero return to the User aside from the problems this software creates.


AntiVirus Developers purposefully Market their product to create a “ Fear Factor “. In so doing, creating a False Need for their Product.


The The Built in Security  is all that is required to protect the computer.


Part 2 of 2


Any Third Party Applications that will interfere with the normal operation of the OS,  is an invitation for disaster and comprise the Operating System


Certain Applications maybe available on the Apple Apps Store - this only means the Developer is prepared to pay Apple a portion on each sale. What the Application may do to the computer is up to the User to check this out before purchase


Any of the below should be removed as per Developers Instructions 


This will include CleanMyMac , This will include BitDefender


➡️ This will included Norton Antivirus ,


Sophos Av Software


Intego AntiVirus, McAfee, MacKeeper, Avast AntiVirus


Ad Guard, Webroot , ESET , Avira , Dr Cleaner Pro Plus


AVG AntiVirus   avira antivirus 


Trustee  


AntiVirus for Mac


F-Secure


Securemac


Read some of the posting and arrive at your own conclusions.




6 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 19, 2023 2:23 PM in response to BlueDue8

Part 1 of 2


There are no known Windows-like Viruses in the wild that self replicate and affect macOS, because of the underling UNIX  Foundation and Permission Limitation. 


Additionally, specific to Big Sur macOS 11 and above.


The Operating System resides in a Sealed and Read Only Volume that can not be opened by the User.


The Only thing this Antivirus software is protecting is the Bank Account of the Developers and for zero return to the User aside from the problems this software creates.


AntiVirus Developers purposefully Market their product to create a “ Fear Factor “. In so doing, creating a False Need for their Product.


The The Built in Security  is all that is required to protect the computer.


Part 2 of 2


Any Third Party Applications that will interfere with the normal operation of the OS,  is an invitation for disaster and comprise the Operating System


Certain Applications maybe available on the Apple Apps Store - this only means the Developer is prepared to pay Apple a portion on each sale. What the Application may do to the computer is up to the User to check this out before purchase


Any of the below should be removed as per Developers Instructions 


This will include CleanMyMac , This will include BitDefender


➡️ This will included Norton Antivirus ,


Sophos Av Software


Intego AntiVirus, McAfee, MacKeeper, Avast AntiVirus


Ad Guard, Webroot , ESET , Avira , Dr Cleaner Pro Plus


AVG AntiVirus   avira antivirus 


Trustee  


AntiVirus for Mac


F-Secure


Securemac


Read some of the posting and arrive at your own conclusions.




Jan 19, 2023 2:00 PM in response to BlueDue8

Absolutely not! First, there is no reason to ever install or run any 3rd party "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus, VPN or security apps on your Mac.  This documents describe what you need to know and do in order to protect your Mac: Effective defenses against malware and other threats - Apple Community and Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams - Apple Support.  


There are no known viruses, i.e. self propagating, for Macs.  There are, however, adware and malware which require the user to install although unwittingly most of the time thru sneaky links, etc.   


Anti Virus developers try to group all types as viruses into their ad campaigns of fear.  They do a poor job of the detecting and isolating the adware and malware.  Since there are no viruses these apps use up a lot of system resources searching for what is non-existent and adversely affect system and app performance.


There is one app, Malwarebytes, which was developed by a long time contributor to these forums and a highly respected member of the computer security community, that is designed solely to seek out adware and known malware and remove it.  The free version is more than adequate for most users.  


Should I use Norton 360, Norton Utilities for Virus, Cyber Security Protection on my Mac?

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